Police are cautioning motorists that Komohana Street, a major Hilo thoroughfare, will be closed to traffic between Mohouli and Ponawahai Streets for the foreseeable future.

The stretch of heavily used mauka roadway, about 0.6 mile in length, is closed to traffic because of extensive damage caused by the recent storm.

Police said motorists driving to town from the Waiakea area via Komohana will be diverted makai on Mohouli Street. From Mohouli, they can then proceed toward town by using Kapiolani, Kinoole or Kilauea Streets.

Motorists traveling toward the Waiakea area from the Kaumana area via Komohana will be diverted makai down Ponahawai Street. From Ponahawai, they then can proceed to the Waiakea area by way of Kinoole or Kilauea Streets.

Captain Francis Rodillas, head of the South Hilo Patrol Division, urged motorists to exercise patience and drive with extra caution, for traffic in the Hilo area will be heavier and slower than normal until Komohana is reopened.

“We have assigned patrol officers at key points to move traffic along as quickly and safely as possible,” Rodillas said, “but traffic will move slower than usual because there will be more cars funneled onto fewer major streets.”

Because of the slower and heavier traffic, Rodillas urged residents who work or drop off students in town to plan ahead and leave home earlier than usual.